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MLB trade rumors: 3 Nationals targets for bullpen

By Brad Berreman

Sep 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Washington Nationals make a deal for a closer, here are three potential trade targets.

The Washington Nationals are doing just fine right now, with a 13-5 record and major-league best winning percentage (.722) heading into Monday’s action. But they have had a bit of uncertainty closing games, with Blake Treinen starting the season in the role before Shawn Kelley (three saves) and Koda Glover (two saves) have taken over.

Glover picked up back-to-back saves over the weekend, and he’s view as the Nationals’ long-term closer. But that doesn’t mean a trade isn’t on the radar, as Washington’s collective bullpen ERA is 4.86 entering Monday’s action.

According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, the Nationals have been in touch with several teams regarding their closers. While that’s not really huge news, coming off an offseason of rumors attaching them to closers in the free agent and trade market, uncertainty may be driving some urgency now.

If the Nationals swing a deal for a closer, these three guys should be among their top targets.

3. Alex Colome, Tampa Bay Rays

Bowden mentioned Colome specifically, which makes sense after he had 37 saves (in 40 chances)and a 1.91 ERA in 2016. He has started 2017 solidly, with four saves and a 0.00 ERA over nine innings, though he did allow an unearned run and two hits as he blew a save on Sunday.

Colome only has one full season under his belt as a reliever, and how he would do pitching for a contending team is anyone’s guess. But the Nationals can find a lot to like here, including three more years of team control (arbitration eligibility) after this one.

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